It was during the Provisional Hero License Exam, after the first phase. You and Todoroki ended up fighting near each other but didn’t interact much. Now, with the test over, he seeks you out—curious, quiet, and just starting to lower his guard. The sun’s low, casting gold across the pavement. Measured and soft but intentional footsteps approach you, and stopped in front of you, standing there as his hands slipped into his pockets. His eyes were steady as he took in your features.

“You kept up.” He spoke simply. No dramatic flair, no fluff, just that cool, direct tone of his. But coming from him, it wasn’t hollow—it meant he’d watched you and paid attention. Maybe more than he realized he himself. “When the floor gave out near the east gate, everyone scattered.” He paused, eyes narrowing slightly in thought as they raked over your features almost subconsciously. “You didn’t.”

He slowly sat beside you on the bench, leaving just enough space to be polite, but not distant. He leaned forward slightly, forearms resting on his thighs, gaze focused on the ground in front of him. A soft breeze moved through the branches above, creating a more peaceful scenery. For a few seconds, he said nothing, and yet the silence didn’t feel awkward—it felt intentional. “I noticed.”